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Duck Rice @ Air Itam Wet Market, Penang

Hungry and
not knowing where to get a decent midnight supper had always been a catastrophe
for me. Fret not, head to Air Itam wet market and you shall see cars parked
along the road, indicating the hungry predators are preying for the duck at the
Air Itam wet market. Well, we meant prepared and braised ducks in this famous
duck rice stall nested in the wet market but not wild or livestock ducks.

Be prepared
to join the queue of duck predators which may last for 10 – 15 minutes, though the
queue moves up pretty fast. Share with the humble uncle on your desired choice
of dishes and the aunty will prepare for you within minutes. Variety of choices
are available – braised duck or pork, braised soy sauce eggs, bean curds,
intestines and picked Chinese mustard green aka “boey chai”

We opted
for a plate of with mixture of braised duck and pork. Generally I disliked duck
meat due to its unpleasant and unexplainable taste. However, the duck meat
served here was totally great with the absence of the unpleasant taste, and the
same applies to the lean pork meat we ordered as well. Both duck and pork meat
were tendered and makes the total chewing process an enjoyment.

On top of
that, ladles of soy sauce poured on the rice provided extra moisture to the rice, and the level
of sweetness it added to the meat was just perfection. The crispy and aromatic
deep fried onion flakes added smashing sensation to the meat, and garnishing
with coriander leaves made the whole meal looked appealing. However, the chili
comes a little bit watery for me though and lacking of the hot spiciness I was
expecting.

Small bowl
of pickled Chinese mustard green aka “boey chai” was indeed inferior in size comparing
to the rice with plentiful duck and pork meat but it is exciting to savor the
boey chai and its soup. Tasted nice and sweet, with a little bit sour and it
was just nice.